Reef-Safe Sunscreens: Protect Your Skin Without Harming Coral

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Put on sunscreen. It'll protect you. It's a good thing, right? Apparently, not exactly. Using chemical sunscreen can pose health risks, and, more importantly, severely harm corals.

One day, my glance fell on a bottle of sunscreen I had at home, and I thought, "Hm, is this eco-friendly... or am I using something harmful?" So I checked the ingredients and realized that the best part was the plastic bottle – at least it was recyclable 🤦‍♀️ Everything else was harmful to both me and marine life.

And this is true for 99% of sunblocks found in supermarkets and tourist zones by the sea. They all fall under the umbrella of "chemical" sunscreens, based on their ingredients and how they work.

Chemical Sunblock Is Harmful to Corals

In 2021, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate through Hawaii Act 104. These chemicals damage coral DNA, cause bleaching, deform coral larvae, and weaken reef resilience.

Why it matters: Corals are a keystone species and ecosystem builders. A coral reef functions like a city, providing shelter, food, and breeding grounds for thousands of marine species. Many of these creatures form the base of the marine food chain, supporting larger ocean life and even land-based ecosystems, including humans.

Bottom line: No corals = collapsing ecosystems = no fish

A healthy coral reef vs a dead reef (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock)

Corals already suffer greatly from climate change. At 1.5 °C warming (which we’ve nearly reached), approximately 99% of reefs will face unrecoverable heatwaves, and at 2 °C or more (which we are heading to), virtually all coral reefs will die. That makes avoiding additional stressors, like harmful sunscreen chemicals, even more critical.

Do Chemical Sunscreens Harm Humans?

Yes. The problem is, these chemicals don’t just wash away. They accumulate in water and organisms, causing long-term harm to ecosystems. So everyone exposed gets affected – from plankton, fish, turtles, and dolphins... to, yes, humans. These chemicals interfere with the endocrine system, leading to reproductive issues, developmental delays, allergies, and more.

An Eco-friendly Alternative to Chemical Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are a much more eco-friendly option. In the U.S., look for Hawaii Act 104–compliant sunscreens which are safe for reefs and marine life. These formulas stay on top of your skin (not absorbed), and when washed off, they don’t harm corals.

Below is a selection of reef-safe mineral sunscreens.

Sun Zapper Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Sticks	Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen	Butter Me Up Organics Natural Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

Waxhead Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen	Goodspread Reef-Safe Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen	Thrive Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen

What Makes a Sunscreen Eco-friendly?

A sunscreen is considered eco-friendly if it meets the following criteria:

• Uses reef-safe ingredients – non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

• Avoids chemical filters – like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, avobenzone, etc., which harm coral reefs

• Biodegradable & non-toxic – breaks down naturally in water/soil and is free from parabens, microplastics, and synthetic fragrances

• Sustainable packaging – recyclable, compostable, or refillable containers; ideally aluminum, or at least recycled plastics

• In the U.S., look for Hawaii Act 104–compliant sunscreens

FAQ on Mineral Sunscreen

Does mineral sunscreen provide broad-spectrum protection?

Yes, but check if it has the right ingredients. Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB rays, while titanium dioxide mostly blocks UVB and short UVA. It’s often combined with zinc oxide for full coverage, so check the ingredient list.

Does mineral sunscreen work immediately upon application?

Yes! That’s one of its bonuses. It works instantly by reflecting UV rays. No need to wait 15–30 minutes for it to be absorbed like with chemical sunscreens.

Should I still pick mineral sunscreen if I don’t go into the water?

Well, if you never shower, then the harm of chemical sunscreen stays mostly with your own health: irritation, hormone disruption, etc. But if you do shower (which I sincerely hope) it goes straight into the waterways. So yes, please opt for mineral sunscreen.

Is it safe to use a chemical sunscreen if I live far from the sea?

Of course using chemical sunscreen next to a coral reef causes more direct harm, but consider this:

1. If you have running water, it flows somewhere, usually to a local river or lake, which has its own ecosystem full of living creatures. Plus, that water may eventually become drinking water, affecting both humans and other species around.

2. When you buy chemical sunscreen, you support its production, making it more available for others to use near the ocean.

   
   

What does "non-nano" mean, and why does it matter?

"Non-nano" means the sunscreen particles are larger than 100 nanometers – too big to enter human skin or be absorbed by marine life like coral and plankton.That makes them safer for you and less harmful to ocean ecosystems. In contrast, nano particles (very small) can cross cell membranes, build up in tissues, and cause damage.

Bottom line: Non-nano = reef-safe + people-safe.

Do I need to reapply mineral sunscreen every 2 hours, and why?

Yes. Even though mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin, it rubs off with sweat, swimming, clothes, or towels. Reapplying every 2 hours ensures you stay protected, especially during extended sun exposure. No sunscreen lasts all day, mineral or not.

Does mineral sunscreen clog pores or cause acne?

Usually not. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, making them a good choice for acne-prone or sensitive skin. However, some ingredients, like certain oils, can still cause breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to test the product on a small area before applying it to a larger surface, especially your face.

Can kids and babies use mineral sunscreen?

Often yes, but always check the packaging for specific age recommendations. Pediatricians often prefer mineral sunscreens because they’re gentler and free from hormone-disrupting chemicals. Some products, like Sun Zapper Sunscreen Sticks, even come in bright colors, making them fun for kids over 6 months old.

Can I use mineral sunscreen under makeup?

Yes, you can, but it’s important to apply it properly. Mineral sunscreen sits on the skin and reflects UV rays, so applying heavy or oily makeup on top could reduce its effectiveness if it disturbs that protective layer. To keep it working, let the sunscreen set for a few minutes before applying makeup, and use gentle dabbing instead of rubbing. Tinted mineral sunscreens are a great option too, they offer 2 in 1 – SPF and light coverage.

Is mineral sunscreen water-resistant?

Some of them are. Check the label “water-resistant", it usually says "40 or 80 minutes.” Still reapply after swimming or sweating.

What’s better: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide?

Zinc oxide offers broader UVA+UVB protection. Titanium dioxide is good too, but mostly blocks UVB. Many sunscreens combine both. If there's only one oxide, opt for a zinc one.

Is mineral sunscreen considered natural or organic?

Not automatically. “Mineral” refers to the UV filter type, but not the full ingredient list. Some are natural or organic, but you’ll need to check the list of ingredients and certifications.

Author's Note

I personally prefer the Butter Me Up Organics sunscreen. I have dry-ish, sensitive skin that easily breaks out or gets irritated, so choosing any type of cream is always a challenge. This one felt great – clean and light. It has a simple, short list of ingredients, which is always a plus. It’s certified organic and comes in eco-friendly packaging. I tried it once, and it worked perfectly from the start, so I’ve stuck with it ever since.

#️⃣ Tags: Eco-friendly packaging